Inside the 48 hour operation to blow up Plymouth’s bomb

A German World War Two bomb found on a building site in Plymouth has finally been blown up after a major 48 hour emergency operation.

The 250kg SC250 bomb was made safe this morning following a controlled detonation by Royal Navy and Army unexploded ordnance (UXO) specialists.

The device was discovered on a building site near Flamborough Road in Southway on Wednesday afternoon, forcing the evacuation of around 1,260 homes.

Plymouth Plus first broke the news of the discovery as the emergency response unfolded, before later revealing that independent UXO experts believed the device was a German SC250 bomb.

**The SC250 bomb.** (Image: L - Royal Navy | R - Submitted)

A massive bang was heard across Plymouth shortly after 11am today (1 May 2026) as the bomb was detonated in situ rather than being moved.

Smoke and shrapnel could be seen rising after the blast, with residents from as far as Crownhill hearing the explosion.

Plymouth Plus understands that Armed Forces UXO experts carried out the detonation in two stages.

At first, two softer thuds were heard, which we are told were most likely part of the low order stage.

**UXO experts at the scene.** (Image: Plymouth Plus)

An independent UXO expert told Plymouth Plus that this was done to neutralise the explosive material in a controlled way, by burning the fuse rather than immediately triggering the full force of the bomb.

The expert said the casing on these types of bombs is extremely thick, meaning a direct charge could have risked a far more powerful explosion.

Plymouth Plus understands that this low order process was successful and at around 11.18am, a much larger blast was heard, confirming what is known as a "high order detonation".

This means the bomb’s remaining main explosive charge went off, producing the louder blast and smoke that could be seen.

**Aftermath of the blast.** (Image: Plymouth Plus)

There is now good news for families and businesses who have spent almost two days away from their homes.

Following the completion of safety inspections, the process of lifting the 400 metre cordon in Southway began at 1.45pm this afternoon.

Thankfully, no significant damage has been identified in the surrounding area, including nearby buildings.

The only remaining restrictions are now around the building site itself, where the device was found, while the area continues to be made fully secure.

Utility companies and Plymouth City Council teams, including street cleaning, building control, highways and arboriculture officers, have been on site assessing the area and clearing debris.